It began in the 13th century when RIAA (Record Industry Association-of-the-Ancient) sneaked the phrase "as long as we don't feel like it" into the Magna Carta "no "freeman" could be punished except through the law of the land"
Or maybe it was just their view of the "free man" that made this whole mess possible..

If the fee is for compensation for, in most cases imaginary, economic loss du to piracy, isn't that pretty damn close to fraud? And while their at it, why not throw in a fee for bags, boxes etc. Because, you know, it is possible to carry all sorts of stolen things in them

Let's say that I own a bar for instance. I have bought tables, chairs, kitchenware etc. and maybe some art for decoration. If the stuff that I bought meets or (even better) exceeds my expectations, chances are that I will be a returning customer and even recommend their products to others. Hopefully I can deliver good service and then I get returning customers. The economy keeps spinning.
But wait, something is missing.. Oh yes, I want to play music in my bar, that would be nice! So I head out and BUY some CDs (oldschool style) or purchase it from iTunes and everybody is happy!
Well, not everybody it turns out.. Here comes legacy, soon-to-be-exctingt music industry knocking on the door crying "So you want to play the music you just paid for, we have a fee for that" (somehow I come to think of Gollum here) But I just paid for the music!!! "Well, you have to pay again. And again. Forever" But.. "No but, just pay"
Where's the freaking logic behind that?
That's right, there is none. And since they're going to make me pay for giving free promotion to their products I already paid for I say fuck you very much and hello Pirate bay!
Luckily the manufacturer of my furniture doesn't come whining "You never said anything about people eating from our tables! Pay again"